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Findings Announced from Respect in Sport Study

02/13/2014, 3:15pm EST

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association

Preliminary findings after a three year study following the implementation of the mandatory “Respect in Sport”

Hockey Calgary along with Respect Group and Mount Royal University announced today the preliminary findings after a three year study following the implementation of the mandatory “Respect in Sport” course for all Hockey Calgary parents and coaches.

Over 1,000 people completed the online survey in the third year, which showed the majority of people believe the Respect in Sport course is beneficial and should be implemented more frequently. After taking a closer look at the study, there were three areas which were identified as the most common:

Awareness:

People who took the course said they are more aware of their behaviour and the behaviour of others.

Integration:

People who took the course said they believe to truly improve respect in behaviour, the Program needs to be more integrated into the culture. To do so, participants suggested the Program needs to be made mandatory for BOTH parents instead of the “one per household” rule.

Accountability:

Participants believe the Program is a step forward in improving respect and reducing the amount of abuse in minor hockey. Participants would like to see an increase of accountability from Hockey Calgary. This included enforcing sanctions and providing safe opportunities for parents to report incidents without putting themselves or their children at risk.

The survey was conducted throughout the first three years of the mandatory online RIS Program. The three seasons were: 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Over 14,500 people had completed the RIS course by May 2013.

After combining the three year study, it showed 32% of people would like to see the course become mandatory every year. A total of 21% of people want the course to become mandatory every other year. The other 17% of people want the course to be mandatory every three years and the last 8% said they don’t think the Program should have been implemented at all.

Hockey Calgary was the first organization in Canada to implement, and make mandatory, the RIS Program, which has now been implemented by several other Canadian Cities and provinces, including Hockey Alberta.

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association [OMHA] will move to become a complete ‘Respect in Sport’ integrated association which will include all Team Officials, On-ice Volunteers, On-Ice Officials and at least one parent or guardian of each registered player effective 2014-2015.

The Respect in Sport program is an online certification program designed to protect youth as well as enhance the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s mandate of providing a safe and fun environment for all participants. It is Canada’s leading online bullying, abuse, harassment, and negligence prevention program for parents, coaches, and community leaders.

Currently, all Team Officials – Coaches, Trainers and Team Managers - in the OMHA are required to complete the Respect in Sport - Activity Leader Program or Speak Out! certification which includes education in the areas of risk management, bullying, harassment and abuse prevention. The program will expand to include on-ice Volunteers and on-ice Officials in 2014-2015.

At least one parent or guardian of each player registered in minor hockey in the OMHA will be required to complete the Respect in Sport - Parent Program as a condition of participation in 2014-2015. The one-hour online course is a proactive, educational program that empowers parents with the tools to ensure the game is enjoyable and respectful for themselves, their children and all other stakeholders in the game.

“This program encourages positive behaviour, effective communication, and provides parents with valuable tools which can only enhance the enjoyment of our great game for all stakeholders,” commented OMHA Director, Development Programs, Ian Taylor. “Value-added programming such as this is one component of the OMHA’s ongoing commitment to our membership to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.”